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jimcarver · 29 October 2020, 07:23 PM

Did Rolex ever make a gold plated Rolex?

A, what I thought to be reputable dealer, has a 1550 with "Gold Shell", which i didn't know was a thing.

Verdi · 29 October 2020, 07:38 PM

They did, not too many and not for a long time....but few vintage are gold plated.

padi56 · 29 October 2020, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcarver

Did Rolex ever make a gold plated Rolex?

A, what I thought to be reputable dealer, has a 1550 with "Gold Shell", which i didn't know was a thing.

The words Rolex used were gold filled but they were a long time ago now 1940/50s and they were mainly for then Commonwealth countries only.

fskywalker · 29 October 2020, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

The words Rolex used were gold filled but they were a long time ago now 1940/50s and they were mainly for then Commonwealth countries only.

First time hearing that, good to know!

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Old Expat Beast · 29 October 2020, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcarver

Did Rolex ever make a gold plated Rolex?

A, what I thought to be reputable dealer, has a 1550 with "Gold Shell", which i didn't know was a thing.

AKA gold cap, cap gold or gold filled. It's generally about four or five times thicker than gold plated (about 80 to 100 microns thick) and will last well if looked after.

powerfunk · 29 October 2020, 09:11 PM

Yep, quite a few! 15505 I believe was the final gold-plated model. Padi mentioned the Commonwealth models; here's my Majestic from 1942:

powerfunk · 30 October 2020, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

AKA gold cap, cap gold or gold filled.

Are those really synonyms? I thought "gold cap" was even thicker than filled, but had no gold on the bottom. I.e. the underside of the lugs isn't gold at all on a gold cap, but it is on a gold-filled. Or do I just think that because that's how Seiko does it and they call it gold-capped?

Tools · 30 October 2020, 03:34 AM

Gold capped, gold filled, and gold plated all have legal definitions for marketed jewelry/watches.

jimcarver · 30 October 2020, 09:08 AM

Interesting, thanks for the replies.

The one I saw did appear to have some arrears where it has worn away and was only gold on the front. Not something I would buy, but interesting all the same.

Old Expat Beast · 30 October 2020, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Are those really synonyms? I thought "gold cap" was even thicker than filled, but had no gold on the bottom. I.e. the underside of the lugs isn't gold at all on a gold cap, but it is on a gold-filled. Or do I just think that because that's how Seiko does it and they call it gold-capped?

Yeah, by "AKA" I meant that those terms generally seem to be used quite freely in watch descriptions. I've seen gold capped described as gold filled, and vice versa. As opposed to gold-plated, which is much different

Calatrava r · 30 October 2020, 10:42 AM

If memory serves they made a gold plated DJ into the early 80's. A good friend of mine wore one.

jlovda · 30 October 2020, 11:19 AM

What exactly is Rolesor? Also, although minor, I assume the end links of vintage two-tone Jubilee bracelets were probably "plated."

77T · 30 October 2020, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlovda

What exactly is Rolesor? Also, although minor, I assume the end links of vintage two-tone Jubilee bracelets were probably "plated."

Just a Rolex branding trademark for the combination of stainless steel and gold.

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MILGAUSS88 · 30 October 2020, 12:59 PM

Gold plated =.5 to 2.5 microns
Rolled gold plate less than 5% of total weight. Typically 20 microns
Gold filled at least 5% of total weight. Typically 80-100 microns. Typically on brass
(the 5% being 10k, 14k etc.) Some pocket watch cases are suppose to be 25%

Rolex gold cap. 240 microns on steel instead of brass.

I have yet to see a Rolex gold cap that has been worn through.

MILGAUSS88 · 30 October 2020, 01:10 PM

Plated is worthless.
Filled is not bad, but I would not buy for myeself.

The gold cap is great, if you like the look. The bracelets that came with them were gold filled however. The bracelets are harder to find in good condition and a seller could cover up the wear with some plating. Which will quickly wear off.

So, personally I would wear the gold cap with a leather band.

MannySDG · 30 October 2020, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Yep, quite a few! 15505 I believe was the final gold-plated model. Padi mentioned the Commonwealth models; here's my Majestic from 1942:

Would you say that your watch possible has a Radium dial? Or was that before they applied any lume?

slugworth · 30 October 2020, 03:08 PM

My father received as a gift a gold-shelled Rolex in 1980 ( IIRC). It was probably 34mm and had an odd color gold tone. Also, when you flipped it over the case back was all stainless. Here's a pic of one that is very similar on eBay.

jimcarver · 30 October 2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slugworth

My father received as a gift a gold-shelled Rolex in 1980 ( IIRC). It was probably 34mm and had an odd color gold tone. Also, when you flipped it over the case back was all stainless. Here's a pic of one that is very similar on eBay.

Yes, that's the same model I found. Surprised I hadn't come across one before.

Alpino · 30 October 2020, 05:42 PM

.

The previous picture is for the 15505 , an OP date based on 3035 , gold platted .

Available from 1983 to 1986.

More pictures:

CJS57 · 30 October 2020, 06:55 PM

I have a Rolex model 1550 Perpetual 34 mm with gold shell from 1981. The gold shell is apparently molded to the exact shape and then pressed onto the stainless case. The shell as stated above is about .010" thick and its border line to the case can be clearly be seen (and thickness measured) from underneath. Looks just like the newer 15505's pictured above. A lovely entry level Rolex for me.

29 October 2020, 07:23 PM	#1
jimcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Abroad Posts: 829	Gold Plated Rolex Did Rolex ever make a gold plated Rolex? A, what I thought to be reputable dealer, has a 1550 with "Gold Shell", which i didn't know was a thing.

29 October 2020, 07:38 PM	#2
Verdi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mitch Location: UAE Watch: Big Ben Posts: 2,451	They did, not too many and not for a long time....but few vintage are gold plated. __________________ IG: @watch_idiot_savant

30 October 2020, 03:34 AM	#8
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,049	Gold capped, gold filled, and gold plated all have legal definitions for marketed jewelry/watches. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

29 October 2020, 09:11 PM	#6
powerfunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Rob Location: Boston, MA Watch: 1530 Posts: 3,782	Yep, quite a few! 15505 I believe was the final gold-plated model. Padi mentioned the Commonwealth models; here's my Majestic from 1942:

30 October 2020, 09:08 AM	#9
jimcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Abroad Posts: 829	Interesting, thanks for the replies. The one I saw did appear to have some arrears where it has worn away and was only gold on the front. Not something I would buy, but interesting all the same.

30 October 2020, 10:42 AM	#11
Calatrava r 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: United States Watch: Rolex and Patek Posts: 10,595	If memory serves they made a gold plated DJ into the early 80's. A good friend of mine wore one.

30 October 2020, 11:19 AM	#12
jlovda "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: John Location: Midwest Watch: 5513,1675,216570 Posts: 1,465	What exactly is Rolesor? Also, although minor, I assume the end links of vintage two-tone Jubilee bracelets were probably "plated."

30 October 2020, 12:59 PM	#14
MILGAUSS88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: mississippi river Posts: 2,948	Gold plated =.5 to 2.5 microns Rolled gold plate less than 5% of total weight. Typically 20 microns Gold filled at least 5% of total weight. Typically 80-100 microns. Typically on brass (the 5% being 10k, 14k etc.) Some pocket watch cases are suppose to be 25% Rolex gold cap. 240 microns on steel instead of brass. I have yet to see a Rolex gold cap that has been worn through.

30 October 2020, 01:10 PM	#15
MILGAUSS88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: mississippi river Posts: 2,948	Plated is worthless. Filled is not bad, but I would not buy for myeself. The gold cap is great, if you like the look. The bracelets that came with them were gold filled however. The bracelets are harder to find in good condition and a seller could cover up the wear with some plating. Which will quickly wear off. So, personally I would wear the gold cap with a leather band.

30 October 2020, 05:42 PM	#19
Alpino "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Paris Posts: 2,540	. The previous picture is for the 15505 , an OP date based on 3035 , gold platted . Available from 1983 to 1986. More pictures:

30 October 2020, 06:55 PM	#20
CJS57 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: CT Posts: 98	I have a Rolex model 1550 Perpetual 34 mm with gold shell from 1981. The gold shell is apparently molded to the exact shape and then pressed onto the stainless case. The shell as stated above is about .010" thick and its border line to the case can be clearly be seen (and thickness measured) from underneath. Looks just like the newer 15505's pictured above. A lovely entry level Rolex for me.

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